Warning Uses Definition of Terms

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Warning Uses Convective Weather Flooding Winter Weather Non-Precipitation Tornado Watch Flash Flood Watch Blizzard Warning Tornado Warning Flash Flood Warning Winter Storm Watch Severe Thunderstorm Watch Flood Watch Winter Storm Warning High Wind Warning Severe Thunderstorm Warning Flood Warning Snow Advisory Small Stream Flood Freezing Rain Advisory High Wind Advisory Advisory Ice Storm Warning Winter Weather Advisory Definition of Terms Term Definition Winter Weather There is a good chance of a major winter storm developing in the next several days. Outlook Winter Storm Watch There is a greater than 50% chance of a major winter storm in the next several days Winter Storm Any combination of winter weather including snow, sleet, or blowing snow. The Warning snow amount must meet a minimum accumulation amount which varies by location. Blizzard Warning Falling and/or blowing snow frequently reducing visibility to less than 1/4 mile AND sustained winds or frequent gusts greater than 35 mph will last for at least 3 hours. Ice Storm Warning Freezing rain/drizzle is occurring with a significant accumulation of ice (more than 1/4 inch) or accumulation of 1/2 inch of sleet. Wind Chill Warning Wind chill temperature less than or equal to -20 and wind greater than or equal to 10 mph. Winter Weather Any combination of winter weather such as snow, blowing snow, sleet, etc. where Advisory the snow amount is a hazard but does not meet Winter Storm Warning criteria above. Freezing Light freezing rain or drizzle with little accumulation. Rain/Drizzle Advisory .

Copy Link

Recommended publications

National Weather Service Reference Guide
National Weather Service Reference Guide Purpose of this Document he National Weather Service (NWS) provides many products and services which can be T used by other governmental agencies, Tribal Nations, the private sector, the public and the global community. The data and services provided by the NWS are designed to fulfill us- ers’ needs and provide valuable information in the areas of weather, hydrology and climate. In addition, the NWS has numerous partnerships with private and other government entities. These partnerships help facilitate the mission of the NWS, which is to protect life and prop- erty and enhance the national economy. This document is intended to serve as a reference guide and information manual of the products and services provided by the NWS on a na- tional basis. Editor’s note: Throughout this document, the term ―county‖ will be used to represent counties, parishes, and boroughs. Similarly, ―county warning area‖ will be used to represent the area of responsibility of all of- fices. The local forecast office at Buffalo, New York, January, 1899. The local National Weather Service Office in Tallahassee, FL, present day. 2 Table of Contents Click on description to go directly to the page. 1. What is the National Weather Service?…………………….………………………. 5 Mission Statement 6 Organizational Structure 7 County Warning Areas 8 Weather Forecast Office Staff 10 River Forecast Center Staff 13 NWS Directive System 14 2. Non-Routine Products and Services (watch/warning/advisory descriptions)..…….. 15 Convective Weather 16 Tropical Weather 17 Winter Weather 18 Hydrology 19 Coastal Flood 20 Marine Weather 21 Non-Precipitation 23 Fire Weather 24 Other 25 Statements 25 Other Non-Routine Products 26 Extreme Weather Wording 27 Verification and Performance Goals 28 Impact-Based Decision Support Services 30 Requesting a Spot Fire Weather Forecast 33 Hazardous Materials Emergency Support 34 Interactive Warning Team 37 HazCollect 38 Damage Surveys 40 Storm Data 44 Information Requests 46 3.
[Show full text]
Floods Creeks, Culverts, Dry Streambeds Or Low- Lying Ground That Appear Harmless in Dry Weather Can Flood
28 ARE YOU READY? ARE YOU READY? 29 lying area, near water or downstream from a dam. Even very small streams, gullies, Floods creeks, culverts, dry streambeds or low- lying ground that appear harmless in dry weather can flood. Every state is at risk from this hazard. What to do before a flood 1. Know the terms used to describe flooding: • Flood Watch—Flooding is possible. Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio or commercial radio or television for information. Watches are issued 12 to 36 hours in advance of a possible flooding event. • Flash Flood Watch—Flash flooding is possible. Be prepared to move to loods are one of the most common higher ground. A flash flood could hazards in the U.S. However, all occur without any warning. Listen floods are not alike. Riverine floods F to NOAA Weather Radio or com- develop slowly, sometimes over a period of mercial radio or television for days. Flash floods can devel- additional information. op quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes, without any Go to higher • Flood Warning—Flooding is visible signs of rain. Flash ground during occurring or will occur soon. If floods often have a danger- floods. Moving advised to evacuate, do so im- ous wall of roaring water water only mediately. that carries a deadly cargo of 6 inches deep • Flash Flood Warning— rocks, mud and other debris can knock you A flash flood is occurring. and can sweep away most Seek higher ground on foot things in its path. Overland off your feet. immediately. flooding occurs outside a de- fined river or stream, such as 2.
[Show full text]
Flood Warning Systems
FLOOD WARNING SYSTEMS A GUIDE TO UNDERSTANDING, IMPLEMENTING AND OPERATING FLOOD WARNING SYSTEMS WHAT’S INSIDE FLOOD 01 Flood Warning 02 A Real-Time Solution WARNING 04 Streamflow Measurements 06 Typical Flood Warning System Protecting Lives and Property from Floods 08 Monitoring Location In the United States, the U.S. Geological Survey and the National Weather Service — part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Data Management 10 — work together to maintain flood warning systems across the country. 12 Quality Assurance Specifically, the USGS acts as the principal source on surface and ground- water data, and operates more than 85 percent of stream gaging stations in 14 Recommended Equipment the U.S. The NWS uses those data and data from other sources to issue river forecasts and flood alerts. 16 Purchase or Rent? 17 About Fondriest Environmental Generally speaking, the NWS issues flood alerts either on a county basis, or for particular rivers and streams. Those alerts are divided into several basic 18 System Configuration Tool categories: Flood watches are issued when conditions suggest a possibility of flooding, or if flooding is anticipated within 12-48 hours. Flood warnings are more severe, and are issued if widespread flooding is expected across a large region, or if flooding is imminent or actively taking WHY MONITORING MATTERS place. Flash flood watches and warnings follow the same protocol, but indicate While some areas are more prone to flooding than others, the establishment of flood warning systems near any major waterway or body potential for especially rapid flooding, usually from heavy rain or dam failure.
[Show full text]
January 28, 2021
Winds kick up but storm milder than expected so far By John Cox Bakersfield Californian, Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021 Strong winds knocked out power around Bakersfield and snow shut down traffic on the Grapevine Wednesday but the consensus was things could have been worse — and that it was too soon to declare they won't be. A wind advisory and a winter storm warning were in effect in parts of the county Wednesday as gusts of up to 55 mph hit the Arvin area and snow fell at 3,500 feet, with more expected as low as 2,000 feet. Authorities cautioned travelers headed across mountain passes to stay informed of changing weather conditions and keep extra food, water and blankets in their vehicles. Not as much rain came down by mid-afternoon Wednesday as had been expected, which came as a relief to almond growers after last week's wintry weather knocked down substantial portions of some local orchards. Farmers said the ground was drier this time and so winds Tuesday night and Wednesday weren't generally enough to blow trees sideways. “It hasn’t been a devastation because there hasn’t been enough rain,” McKittrick-area almond grower Don Davis said. A California Highway Patrol spokesman said there had been few problems in the Bakersfield area apart from downed power lines on Ashe Road and a 53-foot tractor-trailer that swiped the side of a mountain while taking Highway 178 through the Kern River Canyon to avoid storm-related closures elsewhere. Public Information Officer Roberto Rodriguez said Highway 58 through the Tehachapi area was open Wednesday but that the Grapevine closed at about 4 a.m.
[Show full text]
Severe Weather Safety Guide Flash Flooding
What causes River Flooding? Stay informed! • Persistent storms over the same area for long Listen to NOAA Weather Radio, local radio or Severe periods of time. television for the latest weather and river forecasts. • Combined rainfall and snowmelt • Ice jams Weather • Releases from man made lakes • Excessive rain from tropical systems making Safety landfall. How does the NWS issue To check out the latest river forecast information Guide and current stages on our area rivers, visit: Flood/Flash Flood Warnings? http://weather.gov/pah/ahps Flash Check out the National Weather Service Paducah website for the latest information at Flooding weather.gov/paducah Call for the latest forecast from the National Weather Service’s Weather Information Now number: Paducah, KY: 270-744-6331 Evansville, IN: 812-425-5549 National Weather Service forecasters rely on a A reference guide from your network of almost 10,000 gages to monitor the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration height of rivers and streams across the Nation. National Weather Service National Weather Service This gage data is only one of many different 8250 Kentucky Highway 3520 Paducah, Kentucky sources for data. Forecasters use data from the Doppler Radar, surface weather observations, West Paducah, KY 42086 snow melt/cover information and many other 270-744-6440 different data sources in order to monitor the threat for flooding. FLOODS KILL MORE PEOPLE FACT: Almost half of all flash flood Flooding PER YEAR THAN ANY OTHER fatalities occur in vehicles. WEATHER PHENOMENAN. fatalities occur in vehicles. Safety • As little as 6 inches of water may cause you to lose What are Flash Floods ? control of your vehicle.
[Show full text]
Unit, District, and Council General and Contingency Planning Guide for Boy Scouts of America©
Doctorial Project for Completion of the Degree Doctorate, Commissioner’s Science Boy Scouts of America University of Scouting Commissioner’s College Unit, District, and Council General and Contingency Planning Guide for Boy Scouts of America© Version 0.99b 4 February 2010 By Larry D. Hahn, Lt Col, USAF Ret Unit Commissioner Chesapeake Bay District Colonial Virginia Council 2010 - BSA General n Contingency Planning Guide - L. Hahn.docx Approval Letter Advisor Memorandum for Record To: Larry D. Hahn, Unit Commissioner (Doctorial Candidate) From: Ronald Davis, District Commissioner (Candidate’s Advisor) CC: Lloyd Dunnavant, Dean, Commissioners College Date: January 10, 2019 Re: Approval of BSA Scout University Doctorial Project After careful review of the submitted project from Larry D. Hahn for completion of his Commissioner’s College doctorial degree, I grant my approved and acceptance for the degree of Doctorate (PhD) in Commissioner’s Science through the Boy Scouts of America, University of Scouting. As of this date, and as his advisor, I submit this signed letter as official documentation of approval. Ronald Davis Advisor Chesapeake Bay District Commissioner Approval Letter Council Commissioner Memorandum for Record To: Larry D. Hahn, Unit Commissioner (Doctorial Candidate) From: Mike Fry, Council Commissioner CC: Ronald Davis, District Commissioner (Candidate’s Advisor) Date: January 10, 2019 Re: Approval of BSA Scout University Doctorial Project After careful review of the submitted project from Larry D. Hahn for completion of his Commissioner’s College doctorial degree, I grant my approved and acceptance for the degree of Doctorate (PhD) in Commissioner’s Science through the Boy Scouts of America, University of Scouting.
[Show full text]
City of Fairfax Prepared
City of Fairfax Prepared Thunderstorms Tornados A thunderstorm affects a relatively small area when compared to a hurricane Although tornadoes occur in many parts of the world, they are found most or a winter storm. The typical thunderstorm is 15 miles in diameter and lasts frequently in the United States. In an average year, 1,200 tornadoes cause an average of 30 minutes. Despite their small size, ALL thunderstorms are 60-65 fatalities and 1,500 injuries nationwide. You can find more infor- dangerous! Of the estimated 100,000 thunderstorms that occur each year in mation on tornadoes at www.spc.noaa.gov the United States, about 10 percent are classified as severe. Tornadoes can occur at any time of day, any day of the year. Have a plan of action before severe weather threatens. You need to Understanding Watches and Warnings respond quickly when a warning is issued or a tornado is spotted. When a tornado warning is issued, get to a safe place. If in a home or Severe Thunderstorm Watch - Severe thunderstorms are possible in building it’s the lowest level, most interior room. If on the road, get to a and near the watch area. Stay informed and be ready to act if a severe safe place. thunderstorm warning is issued. When conditions are warm, humid, and windy, or skies are threatening, monitor for severe weather watches and warnings by listening to NOAA Severe Thunderstorm Warning - Severe weather has been reported by Weather Radio, logging onto weather.gov or tuning into your favorite spotters or indicated by radar.
[Show full text]
SKYWARN Detailed Documentation
SKYWARN Detailed Documentation NWS Terminology Convective Outlook Categories Risk Description 0 - Delineates, to the right of a line, where a 10% or greater probability of General thunderstorms is forecast during the valid period. 1 - An area of severe storms of either limited organization and longevity, or very low Marginal coverage and marginal intensity. An area of organized severe storms, which is not widespread in coverage with 2 - Slight varying levels of intensity. 3 - An area of greater (relative to Slight risk) severe storm coverage with varying Enhanced levels of intensity. An area where widespread severe weather with several tornadoes and/or numerous 4 - severe thunderstorms is likely, some of which should be intense. This risk is Moderate usually reserved for days with several supercells producing intense tornadoes and/or very large hail, or an intense squall line with widespread damaging winds. An area where a severe weather outbreak is expected from either numerous intense and long-tracked tornadoes or a long-lived derecho-producing thunderstorm complex that produces hurricane-force wind gusts and widespread damage. This 5 - High risk is reserved for when high confidence exists in widespread coverage of severe weather with embedded instances of extreme severe (i.e., violent tornadoes or very damaging convective wind events). Hazardous Weather Risks Risk Description An advisory is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent, or likely. Advisories are for "less serious" conditions than warnings that may cause significant inconvenience, and if caution is not exercised could lead to Advisory situations that may threaten life or property. The National Weather Service may activate weather spotters in areas affected by advisories to help them better track and analyze the event.
[Show full text]
National Weather Service Buffalo, NY
Winter Weather National Weather Service Buffalo, NY Average Seasonal Snowfall SNOWFALL = BIG IMPACTS • School / government / business closures • Airport shutdowns/delays • Traffic accidents with injuries/fatalities • Money plowing/treating roads • Lost resources in traffic congestion • Power outages/damage in strong storms 4 Communicating Risk Potential The National Weather Service uses a “Ready, Set, Go” approach Substituting the words “Outlook, Watch, and Warning” This approach is based on the lead-time of the event and forecaster confidence. Hazardous Weather Outlook • Issued each day between 5am and 6am • Updated as necessary throughout the day • Outlines potential weather hazards expected over the next seven days • The potential for major storms beyond two days will be discussed in the HWO WATCH vs. WARNING Watch Conditions are favorable for severe weather in or near the watch area. Watches are issued for winter storms, ice storms and blizzards. Warning The severe weather event is imminent or occurring in the warned area. Warnings are issued for winter storms, ice storms and blizzards. WINTER WEATHER WATCHES • Issued when forecaster confidence in the event occurring is at 50% or greater • Updated at least once every 12 hours or when there is a change in timing, areal extent, or expected conditions. • Generally issued 24 to 48 hours in advance • Types: – Winter Storm (Snow, Blowing Snow, Blizzard, Lake Effect) – Wind Chill WINTER WEATHER WARNINGS • Issued when hazardous winter weather is occurring or is imminent. • Forecaster confidence
[Show full text]
Driving in the Winter Factsheet
Driving in the Winter FactSheet HS04-010B (9-07) Even in Texas the onset of winter can bring severe • Winter Storm Watch winter weather conditions. Employers and employees alerts the public to the who drive for a living need to be aware of how to possibility of a blizzard, drive in winter weather. The leading cause of death heavy snow, freezing rain, during a winter storm is driving accidents and multiple or heavy sleet. vehicle accidents are more likely in severe winter weather conditions. Employers and employees can • Winter Storm Warning is take steps to increase safety while driving in winter issued when a combination of heavy snow, heavy weather. freezing rain, or heavy sleet is expected. • Plan ahead and allow plenty of time for travel. • Winter Weather Advisories are issued when An employer should maintain information on its accumulations of snow, freezing rain, freezing employees’ driving destinations, driving routes, drizzle, and sleet may cause significant and estimated time of arrivals. Drivers should inconvenience and moderately dangerous be patient while driving, because trip time can conditions. increase in winter weather. • Snow is frozen precipitation formed when • Winterize vehicles before traveling in winter temperatures are below freezing in most of the weather. Before driving have a mechanic atmosphere from the earth’s surface to cloud check the following items on vehicles: battery; level. antifreeze; wipers and windshield washer fluid; ignition system; thermostat; lights; flashing • Sleet, also know as ice pellets, is formed when hazard lights; exhaust system; heater; brakes; precipitation or raindrops freeze before hitting defroster; tires (check for adequate tread); and the ground.
[Show full text]
10-310 Coastal Waters Forecast
NWSI 10-310 JUNE 18, 2019 Department of Commerce • National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration • National Weather Service NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE INSTRUCTION 10-310 JUNE 18, 2019 Operations and Services Marine, Tropical, and Tsunami Services Branch, NWSPD 10-3 COASTAL WATERS FORECAST NOTICE: This publication is available at: http://www.nws.noaa.gov/directives/. OPR: AFS26 (W. Presnell) Certified by: AFS2 (A. Allen) Type of Issuance: Routine SUMMARY OF REVISIONS: This instruction supersedes NWSI 10-310, Coastal Waters Forecast, dated April 18, 2017. The following revisions were made to this directive: 1. Updated examples to show use of mixed case. 2. Adjusted wording to reflect consolidation of Small Craft Advisories into one headline. 3. In section 2.2.3, removed the phrase “but no earlier than 1 hour before this issuance time.” 4. In section 2.3.5 b1, edited first sentence to read “When a tropical cyclone warning is in effect, the warning headline should supersede all other headlines in the area covered by the tropical cyclone warning.” 5. Removed Note indicating an exception for Alaska Region (top of page 8) 6. In section 2.3.8, added wording that knots should be the unit used to represent wind speed and the term “knot(s)” or “kt” is acceptable in representing wind speed. Also, removed any use of “kts” for knots and used “knot” in body and used “kt” to indicate knots in examples. 7. In section 2.3.8c, indicated that “visibility” should be spelled out and not abbreviated. 8. In section 2.4, added that NWSI 10-1701 has information on character line and total character limitations.
[Show full text]
Inclement Weather Guidelines for Outdoor Events
INCLEMENT WEATHER GUIDELINES FOR OUTDOOR EVENTS “Inclement weather” is a generic term often used to describe weather conditions that are either unsafe or undesirable for outdoor events. Inclement weather can come in many different forms, as outlined below. This guideline is intended to be used as a tool to help you identify when forecasted or actual weather conditions require cancelling or postponing an event. NOTE: This checklist addresses only the most unsafe weather conditions. Your own event guidelines may dictate actions for other weather conditions that may be undesirable (e.g. rainy, too warm, too cold). Should any of the following triggers occur or become forecasted for the time of the event, the event should be cancelled or, when appropriate, temporarily postponed for safety reasons. Temporarily postponing an event means just waiting a few minutes until the immediate hazard passes, if your schedule allows. When in doubt about what to do, consult with FSU Emergency Management for decision support. ADVANCED NOTICE TRIGGER TO CANCEL EVENT: TRIGGER TO TEMPORARILY POSTPONE TIMEFRAME EVENT: 0 ‐ 48 Hours [ ] Hurricane or Tropical Storm Watch [ ] Winter Storm Watch 0 ‐ 24 Hours [ ] Heat Advisory or Excessive Heat Watch [ ] High Wind Watch [ ] Winter Weather Advisory [ ] Wind Chill Advisory 0 ‐ 12 Hours [ ] Tornado Watch [ ] Severe Thunderstorm Watch [ ] Flash Flood Watch [ ] Excessive Heat Warning [ ] Wind Advisory During Event [ ] Observed Heat Index in excess of 108’F. [ ] FSU ALERT issued for Tornado Warning, Severe Thunderstorm Warning, Flash Flood Warning or [ ] Observed Wind Chill less than 0’F. Lightning Warning. [ ] Observed winds in excess of 35 miles per hour. [ ] Significant Weather Advisory (no FSU ALERT).
[Show full text]